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What is the story about?
A 27-year-old Indian woman, who went missing in the United States around the New Year, has been found dead, with investigators alleging that her former boyfriend killed her and fled to India.
The woman, identified as Nikitha Godishala, was a data and strategy analyst living in Ellicott City, Maryland. According to the Howard County Police, her body was discovered inside an apartment owned by Arjun Sharma (26), her ex-boyfriend, as reported by NDTV.
Godishala was last seen on December 31, New Year's Eve. Sharma reported her missing to the police on January 2, telling officers that he had last seen her at his apartment.
However, the case took a dramatic turn the next day when detectives executed a search warrant at the same apartment. On January 3, police found Godishala's body with multiple stab wounds.
Investigators now believe that Sharma killed her shortly after 7 pm on December 31. By the time the body was found, Sharma had already left the United States. Police confirmed that he boarded a flight to India on the same day he filed the missing person report.
An arrest warrant has since been issued against Sharma, charging him with first and second-degree murder. While the investigation is underway, officials said that no clear motive has been established so far.
The Indian Embassy in the US has acknowledged the case and confirmed its involvement. The embassy is also following up the matter with the local authorities, it said, adding that it is in touch with Godishala's family and extending all possible consular assistance.
US and Indian authorities are now coordinating to locate and arrest Sharma, NDTV reported. Although India and the US share an extradition treaty, such cases typically involve lengthy legal and diplomatic procedures that can take months.
The woman, identified as Nikitha Godishala, was a data and strategy analyst living in Ellicott City, Maryland. According to the Howard County Police, her body was discovered inside an apartment owned by Arjun Sharma (26), her ex-boyfriend, as reported by NDTV.
Godishala was last seen on December 31, New Year's Eve. Sharma reported her missing to the police on January 2, telling officers that he had last seen her at his apartment.
However, the case took a dramatic turn the next day when detectives executed a search warrant at the same apartment. On January 3, police found Godishala's body with multiple stab wounds.
Investigators now believe that Sharma killed her shortly after 7 pm on December 31. By the time the body was found, Sharma had already left the United States. Police confirmed that he boarded a flight to India on the same day he filed the missing person report.
An arrest warrant has since been issued against Sharma, charging him with first and second-degree murder. While the investigation is underway, officials said that no clear motive has been established so far.
The
Embassy is in contact with the family of Ms. Nikitha Godishala and is extending all possible consular assistance. The Embassy is also following up the matter with the local authorities. @MEAIndia
— India in USA (@IndianEmbassyUS) January 4, 2026
The Indian Embassy in the US has acknowledged the case and confirmed its involvement. The embassy is also following up the matter with the local authorities, it said, adding that it is in touch with Godishala's family and extending all possible consular assistance.
US and Indian authorities are now coordinating to locate and arrest Sharma, NDTV reported. Although India and the US share an extradition treaty, such cases typically involve lengthy legal and diplomatic procedures that can take months.
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